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Type 10 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The TK-X main battle tank, also referred as the Type 10, is the latest Japanese development. This new lightweight MBT weights significantly less than other modern battle tanks. It is lighter than the current Japanese
Type 90 main battle tank. Vehicle was designed to be lighter in order to comply with the Japanese road laws. The new MBT can be transported on standard commercial trailers. Developing this tank heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities, as well as increased protection, firepower and mobility. Development of the TK-X began in early 2000s, however some of it's sub-systems were developed in the late 1990s. Vehicle was first publicly revealed in 2008. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the main contractor of the TK-X. Currently it is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. In 2010 Japanese Ministry of Defense ordered 13 of these tanks. These entered service with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces in 2012. It will replace the ageing
Type 74 and supplement the Type 90 MBTs. This tank is not available for export customers as far as Japan's laws do not allow export of military equipment.
The TK-X tank is armed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, developed by Japan Steel Works. This company also license-produces the Rheinmetall 120-mm / L44 gun for the Type 90 MBT. The TK-X is fitted with an autoloader, located in the turret bustle. It's automatic loading system is more advanced than on it's predecessor. The TK-X main battle tank fires newly developed armor-piercing ammunition. It is compatible with all standard 120-mm NATO ammunition.
Secondary armament consists of coaxially mounted 7.62-mm machine gun and a roof mounted remotely controlled 12.7-mm machine gun.
The TK-X tank was designed with asymmetric warfare in mind. A great emphasis was placed on protection against RPG rounds. Vehicle has a sloped modular ceramic composite armor similar to the
Leopard 2A5. Side profile is similar to the
Leclerc. Damaged armor modules can be easily replaced in field conditions. Add-on armor can also be removed to reduce combat weight to 40 tonnes for ease of transportation. This main battle tank is also completed with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. It's smoke grenade launchers are coupled to laser warning receivers.
Advanced fire control system enables vehicle to engage stationary and moving targets. Other features of the TK-X include digital battlefield management system and navigation system for rapid coordination and increased situational awareness.
The TK-X has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
Vehicle is powered by a V8 diesel engine, developing 1 200 hp. Light weight and a powerful engine give an impressive power to weight ration of 27 hp/ton. It is coupled with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Because of such transmission this MBT can go reverse at full speed of 70 km/h. The TK-X main battle tank is also fitted with a state-of-the-art semi-active hydropneumatic suspension. The tank can "sit", "stand", "kneel" or to "lean" in any direction. This feature gives a number of advantages. Some tanks will be fitted with a front-mounted dozer blade.
Type 10 (TK-X) is an advanced fourth-generation main battle tank (MBT) manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). The MBT can be deployed in a wide range of missions including anti-tank warfare, mobile strikes, special operations force attacks and other contingencies.
The Japanese Ministry of Defence placed an order with the main contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for up to 13 Type-10 MBTs in 2010. The tanks entered into service with Japan in 2012.
Development of the Type 10 MBT
The development of the Type 10 MBT was initiated by the Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in 2002. A prototype of the tank was completed in 2006. Running tests were conducted through 2007 and 2008, and shooting and networking trials were performed thereafter. TRDI completed the development in 2009 and started producing the tanks in 2010.
Type 10 MBT design and features
The Type 10 MBT is the replacement of the Type 74 and
Type 90 MBTs, which are in service with the JGSDF. It features significant enhancements in manoeuvrability, protection, fire power and performance becoming one of
the world's top 10 main battle tanks.
The tank accommodates a crew of three including commander, gunner and driver. It has a length of 9.4m, width of 3.2m and height 2.3m. The gross weight of the tank is 44t and the combat weight of 48t. The MBT can be transported by trains and trucks.
Armament and protection of Type 10 tank
The Type 10 MBT is equipped with a turret fitted with an automatic loading system. The turret can be rotated through 360° in traverse to determine the enemy targets. It is armed with a 120mm L44 smooth-bore gun, which is licence-built by Japan Steel Works.
The secondary armament of the Type 10 MBT consists of a M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a Type 74 7.62mm co-axial machine gun. The turret is also fitted with smoke grenade launchers.
The tank's hull is equipped with nano-crystal steel, fourth generation modular ceramic composite armour for
protection against rocket propelled grenade (RPG) rounds, HEAT projectiles, and anti-tank missiles. The add-on modules can be easily removed and installed to alter the protection levels.
It is also fitted with a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system and automatic fire suppression systems.
Observation and fire control of the Japanese main battle tank
The Type 10 tank is equipped with an enhanced fire control system to engage stationary and moving targets. The tank also fitted with a laser range finder.
The commander's station is fitted with a panoramic sight, mounted on the right of the turret. It provides day / night observation and target identification.
"It is also fitted with a nuclear, biological and chemical protection system and automatic fire suppression systems."
The MBT is fitted with a digital battlefield management system (BMS) that provides increased situational awareness by displaying the required information. The tank also boasts of advanced sensor systems and sophisticated C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) equipment, which allows the tank to communicate and share information with other tanks in the GSDF network.
The intelligence C4I system also enables the MBT to work together with the troops in the infantry's outdoor computer network, Regiment Command Control System (ReCS) during integrated combat operations.
Type 10 MBT engine and mobility
The Type 10 tank is powered by water-cooled, four-cycle, eight-cylinder diesel engines coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox. The engine generates a power of 1,200hp.
The tank is equipped with hydro pneumatic active suspension and offers superior mobility. It can accomplish a speed of about 70km/h forward as well as reverse. It has an operational range of about 440km.